The veneration of the faithful toward the Holy Father has been a constant trace of Catholicism. This is understandable, considering his dignity as Vicar of Christ on earth and successor of Peter, who ‘presides over the Church in charity,’ with the power to bind and loose received from the very Redeemer of humanity.
In our days, however, some within the flock prefer a rather strange relationship with their shepherd. One that is no longer based on the admiration, respect and devotion that his elevated figure should inspire, but rather on a rapport between equals such that the person of the Supreme Pontiff is rebased to that of a populist leader, simultaneously and paradoxically a type of spokesman and slave of today’s masses. At first sight, one might think that this radical change of ‘image’ could not but involve profound alterations in some fundamental doctrines of our Holy Religion, for does this novelty have precedents in Christian tradition? Let us examine some elements of our history…
Francis
Teachings of the Magisterium
Enter the various parts of our study
I – Peter: The First among the Twelve
II – The Roman Pontiff: Guide of the People of God
I – Peter: The First among the Twelve
Sacred Scripture
Saint Ambrose
Council of Trent (Ecumenical XIX)
Pius X
Siricius
John Paul II
Sixtus V
Boniface I
II Council of Lyons (Ecumenical XIV)
Council of Florence (Ecumenical XVII)
Leo XIII
John XXIII
Code of Canon Law
II – The Roman Pontiff: Guide of the God’s People
Nicholas I
Pius XII
Boniface VIII
Council of Ephesus (Ecumenical III)
Saint Basil the Great
Boniface I
Pius IX
Paul VI
Very solid in Doctrine and concise guidance from Doctors of the Church and former Popes occupying the chair of Peter. I pray that Pope Francis will release his infatuation of his own earthly desires and submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and Church Fathers who proceeded him! Liberation Theology has no place in the “One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Thanks so much for providing all the references that are “Rock” solid. St. Michael the Archangel, protect the Church and Her followers from the enemy . “Vade Retro Satana”.
Pray for us!
Lucifer too considered himself equal to God and thus began the great calamities of life… Where will this equality drag us to?
Our poor Holy Father! One day he tells us he’s humble, next day he tells us The Lord has favoured him with the grace to be humble. As I read more and more of Pope Francis’ words I see the contrast in his language and thought process, with the perennial expression in word and thought of the Church (absent the last 50 years). Your site certainly shows this contrast. Thank you for doing all the ‘heavy lifting’ for us.
Do pray for us! And pray for the Church! We promise our prayers too.